TeamWalk for CancerCare
A cancer diagnosis is a life-changing moment and the start of a difficult journey. On Sunday, May 21, 2023 thousands of survivors and supporters came together on the streets of Lowell to make that journey a little easier.
On a beautiful spring day, the 24th annual TeamWalk for CancerCare raised more than $661,000, money that will go directly to patients in the Merrimack Valley.
“TeamWalk exemplifies our mission and culture at Lowell General Hospital because it’s about putting our patients first and surrounding them with care,” Lowell General CEO Jody White said. “This community never fails step up for our patients, and it was incredible to see the streams of walkers crossing the start line. When Lowell comes together, great things happen.”
This year’s TeamWalk co-chairs are Drs. Atul and Ajita Bhat of Andover. Dr. Atul Bhat is a Lowell General affiliated physician and a recent cancer survivor who chose to get his care at the hospital’s Cancer Center, which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year.
“I chose Lowell General not because I would get special treatment as a physician, but because I know that every patient here receives the same level of care as the Boston cancer centers,” Dr. Atul Bhat said. “We are so lucky to have these services close to home, and a big part of that comes from the support we receive from the community.”
Fundraising efforts for TeamWalk continue through Oct. 1, 2023 with special events like a motorcycle ride, cornhole tournament and more.
Follow us on Facebook and at www.teamwalk.org for regular updates and information on the fun and creative TeamWalk related events throughout the year.
Each spring since 2000, TeamWalk for CancerCare has brought together thousands of Merrimack Valley residents to walk the streets of downtown Lowell to raise money and support local cancer patients. Many of these patients are undergoing treatment at Lowell General Hospital's Cancer Center.
The event has come a long way since the first event, which started at Lowell General Hospital's main campus and had hundreds of walkers, not thousands.
Since its inception in 2000, TeamWalk for CancerCare has raised more than $15 million that has directly helped more than 36,000 patients. TeamWalk funds make a difference by paying for medications, nutritional supplements, wigs, and prostheses, support groups, skilled nursing visits, transportation, mini-grant, and supportive services to patients with all cancer types.
To sign up for this event next year, visit our website, where you will also find a listing of the many parties, events and fundraisers that take place year-round to raise money for this great cause.